The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured members of the diplomatic community in Abuja that the government will continue to provide a secure and supportive environment for their work.
Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday at the European Union Complex in Abuja during the Saint Patrick’s Day reception and the official opening of the new Embassy of Ireland.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to improving infrastructure and security in Abuja to meet the standards of leading capital cities around the world.
The event was attended by Ireland’s Minister of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers; Ireland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan; and other members of the diplomatic community.
According to Wike, the FCT Administration recognizes its responsibility to create the right conditions for diplomats to operate effectively.
“We have a duty to provide the right environment for you. We are working to make Abuja comparable to other capital cities globally,” he said.
He added that security remains a top priority and noted that conditions in Abuja have improved in recent times, with ongoing efforts to make them even better.
The minister also expressed the FCT Administration’s willingness to strengthen partnerships with foreign missions to deepen Nigeria’s international relationships.
Wike congratulated the Irish ambassador on the country’s national day and the opening of the new embassy building, describing it as a significant milestone.
Speaking in a lighter tone, he hinted at a possible visit to Ireland, noting his connection to Nigeria’s ambassador designate to the country, former Nigerian Bar Association president, OCJ Okocha.
The minister also urged diplomatic missions to develop lands allocated to them in Abuja. He warned that undeveloped plots could be vulnerable to encroachment by land grabbers.
Referring to a recent incident, Wike said the government had taken firm action to reclaim land that was illegally occupied, stressing that regulations would continue to be enforced.
“We have asked embassies to take back their lands and develop them. The law must be respected,” he said.
Lere Olayinka
Senior Special Assistant
Public Communications and Social Media